Sorry, back soon
07.17.2004Didn't get to the internet yesterday, then most of the city closed down. 16 July is Día de La Paz (as in the city, not the concept). It's the anniversary of Pedro Murillo's pro-independence movement on 1809 (two months after the Sucre revolt). Most businesses were closed much of the day.
Took the day to walk up to the Monticulo, a small park overlooking much of the city. Then found the food court upstairs from the Zatt grocery store open. The rest of the day was spent playing cards & reading comics.
At night we went up to Marka Tambo for a peña. Unfortunately, it was a shorter show than usual, since a ban on the sale of alcohol started at midnight.
It's the last day before the referendum. Things are open, but not bars. It's illegal to sell alcohol (subject to a Bs. 1,000 fine) until after the election (voting is obligatory, subject to fines). Tomorrow they'll be no public transportation & nothing will be open (or very, very little). I'll try to wander around Sopocachi taking pictures of polling booths & whatnot.
The bloqueo called by some dirigentes in El Alto was a failure, apparently. Although alteño leaders claim the 72 hour strike is gradual, meant to grow through Sunday, voting day. Still, it looks more & more as if Bolivias won't boycott the referendum.
Posted by Miguel at 12:31 PM
Comments
Compulsory voting, citizens subject to fines for non-compliance!!
Posted by: tom at July 17, 2004 01:33 PM